MEMBER CASE STUDY - Ken Falconer
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I have found that being a consumer representative on several of Eastern Health’s committees (including the Community Advisory Committee and the Board Quality Committee) has been a very rewarding, exhilarating and enjoyable experience.
Some of our achievements in 2009 included:
- Suggesting ways to promote the committee, including where to advertise to find new members
- Reviewing the Community and Consumer Participation Policy so members can apply for scholarships or funding for education and training
- Assisting staff with preparation of information for the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditation survey, and attending meetings with surveyors
- Providing our own perspective on Eastern Health projects including:
o Preparation of the next Eastern Health service development plan including suggestions for additional stakeholders to include in the consultation process
o Development of a Sacred Space Policy to accommodate cultural, religious and spiritual needs at the major Eastern Health hospitals
o Development of the new Eastern Health website (due later in 2009)
o Specialist clinics (for outpatients), particularly, ways to reduce the number people who fail to attend their appointments
o Proposal to set up a consumer feedback forum for reviewing rehabilitation services at the Angliss Hospital
o Reviewing signs at each of the major hospitals to suggest improvements that will help patients find their way more easily
It’s pleasing that all the views brought forward by consumers through the various committees have been listened to by senior management and many suggestions have been introduced.
I look forward to being a part of Eastern Health in the future.